Optical Design using Fresnel Lenses
December 2007
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Large Area Microstructured Optic Applications
October 2004
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Light Emitting Diode Source Modeling for Optical Design
October 2004
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Microstructured
Optics for LED Applications
October, 2002
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Fresnel
Lenses in Rear Projection Displays
June 2001
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Microstructured
Optical Components for Waveguide-based Luminaires
May 2001
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Microstructured
Plastic Optics for Display, Lighting & Telecommunication
Applications
April 2001
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Rear
Projection Screens for Different Applications
October 2000
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Polymer
Fly's Eye Light Integrator Lens Arrays for Digital Projectors
May 2000
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Technical
Advances in Microstructured Optics for Display Application
May 1999
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Manufacturing
Methods for Large Microstructured Optical Components for Non-Imaging
Applications
October 1995
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Optical Design using Fresnel Lenses
December 2007
Arthur Davis & Frank Kühnlenz
Abstract: The fresnel lens can be used in a wide variety of applications. The basic principles
of the fresnel lens are reviewed and some practical examples are described. There are
definite advantages and tradeoffs that should be considered when deciding if a fresnel
lens is the appropriate component to use in a design. Some basic optimization rules
are presented which may facilitate a first order design or feasibility study.
Large
Area Microstructured Optic Applications
October 2004
Steve Scott
Abstract: Applications where microstructured optics components
are required over large areas are increasing. This paper describes
optical microstructures, their applications, and the challenges
involved in mastering, replicating, and production of these
microstructures over large areas.
Light Emitting Diode Source Modeling for Optical Design
October 2004
Arthur Davis
Abstract: Presentation slides from short course describing
the fundamentals of LED source modeling. Topics covered include
Photometry, LED Specification, LED Optics, Source Approximation and Fresnel Lenses.
Microstructured
Optics for LED Applications
October 2002
Arthur Davis
Abstract: Optics for use with Light Emitting Diodes are
described. Microstructured optics are available and customizable for a
wide variety of applications. A few of these will be touched on. A
methodology of designing these optics and the photometrics of the
typical technology is overviewed.
Fresnel
Lenses in Rear Projection Displays
June 2001
Arthur Davis, Robert C. Bush, John C. Harvey & Michael F. Foley
Abstract: A plastic Fresnel lens positioned just before the
diffusion screen in a projection system can provide significantly
superior corner illumination, enhancing overall display luminance
uniformity. Fresnel lenses are also used within the light engine to
collimate light through the LCD panel and focus light through the
projection lens. Disadvantages include the added cost of the lenses,
ghosting, printout of the Fresnel rings and moiré patterns.
Birefringence is important to control polarization-sensitive
applications.
Without reduction of ghosting artifacts, Fresnel lenses will have
limited application in text-based RP systems. Ghosting is described in
some detail including how it is caused, quantified and reduced. Efforts
to reduce cost and birefringence will all be discussed.
Microstructured
Optical Components for Waveguide-based Luminaires
May 2001
Michael F. Foley
Abstract: Precision microstructured optical components made from
polymers are the enabling technology in a new generation of office
lighting designed to reduce eyestrain for computer users. New products
which utilize waveguide technology and precision microprisms are now
available which manage light from Luminaires powered by high output T5
lamps. The optical system design can be optimized to control glare in
office lighting, while maintaining exceptional photometrics and
aesthetics. Design considerations such as efficiency, proportion of
uplight versus downlight, and cutoff angles will be discussed and
quantified. Manufacturing challenges such as tight tolerances and
component and system cost will be detailed. Photometric output
(analytical models from TracePro and empirical data from a
goniophotometer) will be presented. Reduction to practice and examples
drawn from the successful market introduction of the technology will be
discussed. Next generation designs, which feature similar performance
at a lower price point, will also be revealed. This revolutionary
optical technology is changing the way lighting designers approach
luminaire design in applications which demand glare control and
specified photometrics.
Microstructured
Plastic Optics for Display, Lighting & Telecommunication
Applications
April 2001
Michael F. Foley
Abstract: This poster will present recent technological advances
in the field of replicated, microstructured plastic optics, and their
applications in display optics, lighting, and telecommunications.
Microstructured plastic optics are a family of components which
incorporate features such as facets, lenticles, prisms, surface relief
structures, or microlenses, to achieve some design intent. Multiple
features can be incorporated into a single component or system, and
hybridization is possible. The poster will discuss products, materials,
processes, and applications for microstructured plastic optics.
Products described include microlens arrays, gratings, Fresnel lenses,
Moth-eye Antireflective Microstructure™, and engineered surface relief
diffusive structures. Processes which will be discussed include
casting, injection molding, compression molding, embossing, and High
Precision Molding (HPM). Tradeoffs between process fidelity, relative
cost (recurring and non-recurring), and suitability to task will be
assessed. Material considerations such as temperature stability,
optical properties, and manufacturability issues will be detailed.
Finally, a number of applications for microstructured plastic optics
will be described including several display applications (including
backlit displays, imaging screens, LCD projectors, camera displays),
lighting applications (including LED systems and waveguide based
Luminaires) and telecommunications applications (including gratings,
microlenses, and multi-function subsystems for SWDM) will be described.
Rear
Projection Screens for Different Applications
October 2000
Robert C. Bush
Abstract: Fresnel Optics has been awarded a development contract
with the United States Display Consortium (USDC) to produce rear
projection screens and Fresnel lenses to be used in Rear Projection
Monitors. The USDC program is broken into two sections: production of 2
different prototype screens using customer input; and large volume
production. Screens up to 32 inch diagonal will be developed as part of
the USDC program.
The distinctive requirements of projection monitors demand unique
screens that have different technical specifications from screens used
in rear-projection televisions. Specifications of the screens being
designed include: Viewing Angles, Contrast, Speckle Contrast, Gain,
Color Shift, Resolution, Luminance, Uniformity and Display Artifacts.
How these specifications interact with the projection engine will be
discussed. Fresnel lenses are used in most rear projection systems. The
attributes of using a Fresnel lens in this application will also be
discussed. Preliminary screen specifications will be presented.
Polymer
Fly's Eye Light Integrator Lens Arrays for Digital Projectors
May 2000
Michael F. Foley & James Munro
Abstract: Polymer Fly's Eye light integrators are now available
as an alternative to glass. While the appropriate material is highly
dependent on the specifics of the applications, plastic integrators
offer measurable advantages in certain situations. Key design
considerations include weight, performance, cost, birefringence, and
temperature resistance. This paper explores each of these design
considerations, and presents some guidelines to aid optical engineers
in material selection.
Technical
Advances in Microstructured Optics for Display Applications
May 1999
Michael F. Foley
Abstract: This paper will present recent technological advances
in the field of replicated, microstructured plastic optics, and their
applications in display optics. A number of technology areas will be
discussed, including moth-eye Antireflective Microstructure™, High
Precision Molding (HPM), high temperature polymers, and one-piece,
diffusive imaging screens. Applications discussed will include field
lenses, condenser lenses, microlens arrays, and light integrators for
LCD Projection systems, specialized optics for microdisplay
applications, and imaging screens for photographic and rear projection
systems.
Manufacturing
Methods for Large Microstructured Optical Components for Non-Imaging
Applications.
October 1995
John R. Egger
Abstract: Various methods of manufacturing are reviewed for
large area (6 inch diameter and greater) microstructured optical
components (MOC's) that are used for light management in non-imaging
applications. All of the manufacturing methods discussed will relate to
the processing of various optical grade polymers. This paper will start
with a review of the traditional methods used to make plastic Fresnel
lenses over the past forty or more years. The evolution of precision
compression molding will be analyzed. Quality / cost trade-offs of the
various methods currently used to produce large-area, thin
cross-section, microstructured optical components will be discussed.
Examples of products made by compression molding, transfer molding, hot
stamping, thermal and UV casting and other various processing methods
will be discussed. The paper will conclude with a look into the future.
Where is non-traditional, non-glass optical component manufacturing
technology headed?
